An update on Jimmy Butler`s condition emerged approximately 24 hours after his hard fall on his tailbone during Wednesday night`s game. For the Warriors, the news presents a mixed picture. Positively, according to reports, Butler`s MRI did not show any fracture or structural damage, identifying the issue as a `deep glute muscle contusion` – essentially a severe bruise to the buttock area.
However, the drawback is that such bruises are often considerably more painful and physically limiting than the medical terminology might suggest. This discomfort and restriction reportedly place Butler`s availability for Game 3 in serious jeopardy.
Butler sustained the injury during a specific play when he went up for a rebound and was unintentionally undercut by Amen Thompson, leading to a difficult landing on the court.
The situation mirrors a similar tailbone injury Stephen Curry dealt with near the end of the regular season, which kept him out for two games. Upon his return, Curry used extra padding and was visibly uncomfortable for a period. Were this a regular-season contest, Butler would almost certainly be sidelined for at least a few games. But given this is a highly competitive 1-1 playoff series against a very physical Rockets team, it`s expected he will exhaust every option to play.
The Warriors benefit from the schedule, receiving a second day off before Game 3 takes place on Saturday. This follows a similar two-day break between Games 1 and 2. Every hour available for Butler to rest and receive treatment is advantageous.
If Butler is unable to participate in Game 3, or if he misses further games (Game 4 is scheduled for Monday), the Warriors will face significant difficulty against Houston. In fact, they might already be in trouble regardless.
Even before Butler`s injury, Houston`s aggressive and physical style on both ends was disrupting the Warriors` offensive and defensive rhythm. Officials across the playoffs, including in this series, are permitting a higher level of contact, allowing teams like Houston to impose their physicality on the Warriors. While Golden State is tough, they may lack the necessary athleticism to consistently create space and drive effectively against tight defensive pressure.
Butler is arguably the sole player who can alleviate some of this defensive pressure. Without another star presence to draw attention, defenses can focus almost entirely on Curry, often sending multiple defenders his way. While Curry is always capable of exceptional individual performances, it`s likely that Houston`s intense and disruptive defense could be too much for the Warriors to overcome consistently without Butler on the court.
The most favorable outcome for the Warriors is Butler being healthy enough to play and perform effectively in Game 3. If he cannot, and the Warriors suffer a loss, his return by Game 4 would likely be critical for Golden State to maintain any realistic hope of winning the series.
Jasper Hawthorne